I think BJJ has had an historical aversion to them, as well. While BJJ was (from my understanding) somewhat aristocratic in the beginning, leglocks were a part of other systems like Luta Livre, which was practiced by poor folks. My first BJJ instructor thought that they were cheap and unsophisticated. Obviously ignorant on his part, but he's still a legit badass black belt.

A lot of people make the claim that they don't work leglocks in MMA because it leaves you in a bad position, but I feel the same way about armlocks and triangles from the guard. A proper leglock involves the same sort of control and setup as anything else. In fact, I feel much safer in an MMA setting in the "saddle" or "knot" position than I do in the guard.

But I'm far from an expert, and don't know much. I would default to the older and more experienced guys in this thread.

I'm interested to see the level of leglocking at this year's sambo cup, since the stereotype is that sambo is all about leglocks (when I would say it's really all about throws, if anything). I guess I'll find out tomorrow. I don't compete until Monday.

Think this story also had an impact on why the official BJJ stance on footlocks is so restrictive. Can imagine several guys getting really hurt in that challenge what with the inevitable honour and pride involved in such dojo challenges back in the day.